[Photo/CGTN]

According to the organizers, all 43 carpenters are professional craftsmen in repairing ancient buildings. They have to pass two tests, the theoretical part as well as the technical part, to get into the final list.

After the competition, those selected will receive training on the protection and renovation of the palace, before work begins.

All the workers are chosen for the renovation of Yangxin Dian, or the Hall of Mental Cultivation, which was used as the Emperor’s bedroom during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is part of the general renovation project of the Palace Museum that started in 2002.

The Hall of Mental Cultivation will be open to the public in 2020, after the renovation. By that time, at least 80 percent of the palace will be open.